Dom Mitchell joins Cool Oak

Replacing Leo Batten in the Cool Oak team was never going to be easy, but we are excited to welcome Dominic Mitchell, who brings not only a wealth of professional expertise in areas of ornithology, conservation and communications, but also strong local knowledge.

A prominent figure in British birding for several decades, Dom founded and ran Birdwatch magazine for 27 years, and today is a freelance ornithological consultant and Editor-in-Chief at BirdLife International, the global bird-conservation partnership.

Importantly for us, Dom has been a regular visitor to Brent Reservoir for 52 years. He has been a long-term supporter of Welsh Harp Conservation Group - the reservoir’s first advocacy organisation founded by Leo in 1973 - and knows very well the place’s importance as one of London’s oldest SSSIs.

His advice and support as we engage with owners, regulators and local stakeholders to encourage best practice and find good outcomes for the reservoir’s fragile habitats will be invaluable.

Photo: Eleanor Bentall